How to Mitigate Personal Safety Risks
How to Mitigate Personal Safety Risks
Smart Steps to Protect Your Personal Safety
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It’s a fact of life. But there are steps you can take improve your personal safety. When you do, it’s a lot easier to walk through life prepared for what lies ahead.
Let’s start with a step that’s often overlooked: Don’t ignore your instincts. Your body is programmed with signals that tell you if something doesn’t feel right. When your hair stands up or your stomach has the butterflies, it’s time to tune-in and listen.
When you’re about town
The key to personal safety is not looking like an easy target. Attackers are looking for someone who seems weak, lost or nervous because it requires less effort to catch them off guard.
- Walk the walk. Keep your head up, shoulders back, and walk with purpose. Even if you’re in an unfamiliar area, walk like you know where you’re going.
- Dress the part. If you have long hair, don’t wear a ponytail – it’s easier to grab. Also, don’t bog yourself down by carrying too many items.
- Stay focused. Don’t be distracted by looking at your phone or listening to music. Always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
- Know your route. Make sure you know where you’re going, so you’re less likely to look lost or confused.
When you’re at home
Your home is your refuge, so it’s easy to let your guard down. If you take a few basic steps, it’s easy to kick back and relax with less worry.
- Lock up. Even if you’re leaving a dorm room or apartment to go to a shared laundry room, lock your door. Also, make sure to lock your windows.
- Shine a light. Leave some lights on at night to give the impression that someone is awake. Keep outdoor lighting on or install motion detector lights to use less energy.
- Stranger danger. If an unfamiliar person comes to your door, you don’t have to open it, especially if you’re alone. If it’s important, then the person will find a way to reach you.
When you’re in your car
It’s easy to have a false sense of security when you’re in a vehicle. Make sure you know where you’re going, your vehicle is gassed up, and stay focused. If you’re going to an unfamiliar location, know where safe places are and how to avoid high crime areas.
- Lock it down. Always drive with your doors locked, so if you happened to stop a person can’t easily climb into your car.
- Avoid parking pitfalls. Try to park in a well illuminated place that’s close to your destination. Don’t park in a secluded location if you’re alone.
- Someone’s following you. If you feel like someone is tailing you, confirm by making a few turns or slowing down. If the person stays with you, take note of the type of car or what the driver looks like. Contact the police if you can’t lose them, and don’t go home. Stay in a high-traffic area where other people are around.
Last, but not least
Always keep protection at hand. Make sure your phone, keys, and personal protection items like a stun gun, pepper spray, or alarm are ready or easily within reach.
Unfortunately, some people don’t follow the Golden Rule and hurt others. The Mace® Brand team wants you to walk through the world with confidence. That means being aware and taking an ounce of prevention to protect your personal safety. And with a few simple steps, the world feels like more of a welcoming place.
Build your confidence. Explore Mace® Brand pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms.
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